Mourners gather for Carson funeral

December 23, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Hundreds of mourners, including Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan, gathered for the funeral of U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, with speakers praising her as someone who fought tirelessly for the poor. The 2,200-seat Eastern Star Church was filled to near capacity as speakers recalled the life of the six-term Democratic congresswoman, who died of cancer Dec. 15 at age 69. Andrew Jacobs Jr., whom Carson succeeded in Congress, called her "a blazing talent" who rose from poverty and accomplished much in her political career. Dozens of dignitaries were on hand, including Farrakhan, Gov. Mitch Daniels, Sen. Richard Lugar and former Sen. Birch Bayh. Carson was to be buried at Indianapolis' Crown Hill Cemetery.